India

Vijay unveiled TVK’s manifesto promising cash transfers, loan waivers, free services and welfare schemes ahead of Tamil Nadu polls, despite criticising “freebie politics”, positioning the party competitively against Dravidian rivals with extensive voter-focused benefits.

The Haryana Congress suspended five MLAs for alleged cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections, citing serious indiscipline. Acting on disciplinary committee recommendations, the party stressed strict action against anti-party activity to reinforce organisational discipline and unity within its ranks.

The NDA faces a tough battle in Parliament to secure the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill and the 131st Constitutional Amendment. With 293 members in the Lok Sabha, the ruling alliance falls short of the two-thirds majority required. Abstentions from opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, or DMK could prove decisive.

Pawan Kalyan congratulated Nara Lokesh on becoming the Telugu Desam Party national working president, praising alliance unity and cooperation. Lokesh thanked him, calling for continued coordination and commitment to Andhra Pradesh’s development and strengthening party values.

India’s Amee Kamani lost 2-6 to Filipino Rhaki Constantino in the women’s final of the Asian Heyball Championships in Malaysia. Despite a strong start, Amee faltered as Constantino’s superior potting and cue-ball control sealed the gold medal

The Central Government has strongly countered Opposition claims, particularly from the DMK, that southern states will face injustice in the upcoming delimitation exercise. Officials emphasised that reforms are designed to expand representation nationwide, with Tamil Nadu’s Lok Sabha seats set to rise significantly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all parties to unanimously pass the Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha, emphasizing women’s representation in policymaking. He stressed no delays after decades, offered opposition credit, and highlighted upcoming delimitation and increased parliamentary capacity reforms

Actor-turned-politician Vijay released the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) manifesto for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, pledging a mix of welfare schemes and technology-led governance. The party also aims to transform Tamil Nadu into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036.

The Supreme Court has ruled that voters in West Bengal whose names were deleted during judicial adjudication can still cast their votes if cleared by Appellate Tribunals up to 48 hours before polling. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed the verdict, calling it a victory for democracy and urging party workers to assist voters in obtaining slips.

Derek O'Brien accused the government of pushing a “delimitation agenda” through women’s quota bills, calling it a failed political plot. The Opposition strongly opposed the move in Parliament, arguing it is politically motivated and will be defeated in voting.

NDA leaders defended the women’s reservation and delimitation bills, while Opposition parties raised concerns over federal balance and representation. The debate in Parliament highlighted sharp political differences over the implementation and implications of the proposed legislation

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre’s response on a PIL challenging provisions of the Muslim Personal Law Act, 1937, alleging they discriminate against women, particularly in inheritance, and violate the constitutional right to equality

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane claimed the emergence of “corporate jihad” and suggested prioritising Hindu candidates in hiring, citing allegations of harassment and conversion attempts at a TCS unit in Nashik, where police have arrested several employees

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin burnt a copy of the delimitation bill and called it a black law, alleging it would harm the state’s political representation, as protests by DMK and allies spread across Tamil Nadu

Byreddy Shabari supported women’s quota bills in Lok Sabha, backing “women-led development” vision. She highlighted empowerment initiatives by TDP as the government introduced the bills amid Opposition protests, while NDA allies including JD(U) also extended support.

Infosys has denied social media allegations of workplace harassment at its Pune facility, reiterating its zero-tolerance policy, even as a separate probe into similar allegations at TCS Nashik continues with investigations by police and a fact-finding panel

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the Lok Sabha strength will rise to 815, with 272 seats reserved for women. He assured that no state or group will lose out and urged all parties to support the women’s quota bill

Voting on three key bills related to the women’s quota law and delimitation will take place in the Lok Sabha at 4 PM on Friday after an extended debate, with the Speaker to decide on the duration

The NDA lacks the required two-thirds majority in Parliament to pass the women’s reservation bills, making Opposition support or abstentions crucial. The numbers in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha indicate a tight situation for the government

A SpiceJet aircraft collided with a stationary Akasa Air plane at Delhi airport while taxiing, causing minor damage to both aircraft. No injuries were reported, and passengers were safely disembarked as authorities began an investigation into the incident

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Lok Sabha that the delimitation process before implementing the women’s quota will not discriminate against any state. He urged political unity, warned against politicisation, and stressed timely implementation of women’s reservation for stronger democracy

Wipro reported a slight decline in fourth-quarter profit despite steady revenue growth and sequential gains. The company announced a share buyback and projected flat to negative growth for the next quarter, while focusing on AI-driven transformation and client partnerships

Narendra Modi and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker pledged to strengthen India-Austria ties, focusing on innovation, trade, and sustainability. The leaders highlighted growing cooperation in emerging technologies, defence, and startups during Stocker’s first India visit in over four decades.

NC-JCM has proposed a major increase in minimum pay for central government employees under the 8th Pay Commission, including a higher fitment factor and additional benefits. The recommendations could impact over 50 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners